FRANCAIS

September 20, 2002

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) and Manitoba Conservation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a co-operative resource management agreement.

The agreement was signed today by Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin and Metis Federation President David Chartrand.

"The Metis people had an important historic role in the founding of Manitoba and will continue to make use of resources within Manitoba," said Lathlin. "The province and MMF want to enhance the participation of the Metis in matters of natural resources management and create a proactive and positive working relationship."

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, was pleased with the signing of the memorandum. "We are embarking on a historic path--the Metis people have rights in our country and now we are ensuring that we will continue practising the traditional ways of the Metis Nation. This MOU is precedent-setting in Canada and shows the commitment by the provincial government to work with the Metis people as we together manage the resources that have been gifted to us. Our people throughout Manitoba have stated their number one priority is conservation and today we are one step closer to implementing the Metis Laws of the Hunt. I want to thank Minister Lathlin for his partnership as we strive to work together in a co-operative manner. I also want to thank the Metis people of Manitoba who made this historic day a reality."

The agreement will provide assistance to look at current co-management arrangements in the province. Increased involvement and access to hunting, fishing and trapping are the key initial factors expected to be discussed, although other resource sectors such as forestry may also be included.

Similar memorandums of understanding, which lay the basis for future co-management discussions, have been signed with the West Region Tribal Council and Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

The MMF and Manitoba Conservation have had discussions regarding co-management of resources and have agreed to work towards developing a provincewide arrangement between Manitoba and the federation.

"Manitoba Conservation and the MMF want to clarify roles, responsibilities and activities with respect to natural resource management for the stewardship and conservation of renewable resources," said Lathlin.

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